POLK COUNTY, Fla. — In Polk County, experts say the number of students experiencing homelessness went up significantly, and the district’s homeless liaison, Ben Ruch, said rent increases were at least part of the problem.

What You Need To Know

  • Experts say the number of students experiencing homelessness went up significantly in Polk County

  • The district’s homeless liaison, Ben Ruch, says part of the reason is because of rent increases

  • The HEARTH Project in Polk County assists students and their families who are experiencing homelessness

“There’s a lot of reasons we may attribute this to,” Ruch said. “We have more families now calling saying they have jobs, but the rent went up 4 ($400), 5 ($500), $600 and now they can’t afford it. They’re residing in shelters, motels (and staying with) family members and friends.”

Ruch added, “Right now, with a couple months left with school, we’re expecting to see around 4,000 (total homeless students in Polk County), which is more than last year. We’re here to make sure they don’t fall between the cracks.”

The HEARTH Project, which assists students and their families who are experiencing homelessness, looked into the increase in cases and reported that in April 2021, the number of students 13 and older who were identified as homeless in Polk County was 1,080. In April 2022, the district had 1,325 students 13 and older identified as homeless. That number includes only that age group.

Experts say the best chance these students have is to graduate high school, and here in Polk County, they are.

At a recent graduation attended by Polk County School Board members, dozens of seniors, who, despite their living circumstances, all earned a high school diploma.

“I’m really grateful,” said Damien Ibarra, a senior at Lake Region High School who is enrolled in the HEARTH Project through Polk County and is set to graduate.

The people around him said Ibarra is very well-liked, and despite his shaky living situation, wears a smile on his face just about every day.

“I (have) the mentality of, ‘I can’t let other peoples' actions dictate my actions,’ " he said. “Things happen in life. It’s about how you take it. You can take it negatively and let it beat you down to the ground, or you can take it positively and use it as encouragement.”

Ibarra said his father died when he was 6 years old and his mother is homeless.

“My parents really haven’t been in my life,” he said. “Some may think this is upsetting, but most of my help comes from people who are not even part of my family. Most of the time, the people who help me out are friends and teammates.”